Nestle to invest in research and development

Nestle has announced that it plans to invest over 25 million euros (19.6 million pounds) to significantly expand its Research and Development Centre in Askeaton, Ireland.

The enhanced facility will sit at Nestle's existing plant in Askeaton, and will focus on global product innovation for Nestle's Wyeth Nutrition infant and maternal nutrition business. 

Currently, the plant produces a range of high quality premium powdered milk-based products for infants, young children and mothers for export to world markets, and the new centre is expected to open in late 2017.

Stefan Catsicas, chief technology officer at Nestle Research, said: "Nestle has a long-standing reputation for excellence in food and nutrition research. This Centre will be a leading laboratory in food and life sciences to continue to position Nestle at the fore of infant and maternal nutritional product development.

"It will enable our scientists to explore nutritional opportunities that can improve the health and wellness of children’s lives."